For certain series for Lancairs the gas spring should have 100 pounds of
force.  Other than the in-flight gear tests, it should be testable without
removing it from the airplane while the aircraft is up on jacks or the tail is
weighted down and depressed onto a jack stand.  Old LNC2 lore had
it that once the over center link was undone, about 25# of pressure
aft against the nose wheel would indicate that the gas spring was
OK.  I know there are engineers out there that, knowing the nose
wheel strut linkage geometry, would be able to make just such a calculation
to determine the health of the gas spring.  This calculation could be done
for each retract model.

 

Anyone?

 

Grayhawk 

 

 

Robert asked how to test the nose gear air strut.  Fortunately that
one is easy.  Simply place a bathroom scale on the floor and place the
strut vertically on the scale.  Use a small block of wood if needed and
standing over the strut push down.  Note the weight indication on the
scale where the strut gives up and that is the max pressure the strut will
sustain.  I believe the manual calls for  80 or 90 # minimum.
 If it's less than the minimum, call Michelle at Kit Components and order
a replacement.

John

Sent from my iPad

On Apr 7, 2013, at 8:24 AM, "Robert Linn" <xlinn [at] comcast.net

> wrote:

John – I would be interested in purchasing a tool to
remove and install air strut on IV P nose gear.  I just started my
annual inspection and will be installing a new air strut in two weeks. 
Also, how did you test the pressure in your strut?  Robert Linn, 1350
Greenhill Ct, Vail CO 81657. 
970-476-0559

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